4 answers
Melissa
Student
Orlando, Florida
26
Questions
Updated
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What are some of the qualities, besides being a person who cares and wants to help others, do you need to have to get a job with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps?
I think the question is self explanatory. #corporate-social-responsibility #human-resources #career-details
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4 answers
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
235
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Joining organizations such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps calls for a variety of attributes, not just a caring nature and a desire to assist others. Here are some key traits that are highly sought after, which can help you make a significant difference:
Adaptability: Both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps demand work in a variety of settings, each with its own culture, language, and living conditions. Being adaptable and thriving in new and sometimes tough situations is crucial.
Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are key to forming bonds with community members, teaming up with colleagues, and conveying ideas and information efficiently.
Cultural Sensitivity: When working in communities of diverse backgrounds, respect for and understanding of cultural differences is crucial. Cultural sensitivity aids in building positive relationships and effective teamwork.
Flexibility: Roles in these organizations can greatly vary, and you may need to handle different tasks or adjust to changing circumstances. Flexibility and a readiness to take on various responsibilities are beneficial traits.
Resilience: Assignments in both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps can be demanding and may involve overcoming challenges or setbacks. Resilience and the capacity to keep going despite obstacles are key to maintaining motivation and effectiveness.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to pinpoint challenges within communities and collaborate to devise and execute solutions is vital for creating a significant impact.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Clear communication across language and cultural barriers is essential for building trust and understanding within communities.
Self-Motivation: While there is support available, you often need to be self-driven and proactive in your work, taking the initiative to identify needs and devise solutions.
Commitment to Service: Showcasing a genuine passion for service and a dedication to positively impacting others' lives is fundamental to both organizations.
Teamwork: Working together with fellow volunteers or team members is common in both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. The ability to work effectively as a team member, supporting and respecting others, is crucial for achieving shared goals.
By demonstrating these qualities, you can boost your chances of landing a position with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps and make a meaningful contribution to their missions of service and community development.
Adaptability: Both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps demand work in a variety of settings, each with its own culture, language, and living conditions. Being adaptable and thriving in new and sometimes tough situations is crucial.
Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are key to forming bonds with community members, teaming up with colleagues, and conveying ideas and information efficiently.
Cultural Sensitivity: When working in communities of diverse backgrounds, respect for and understanding of cultural differences is crucial. Cultural sensitivity aids in building positive relationships and effective teamwork.
Flexibility: Roles in these organizations can greatly vary, and you may need to handle different tasks or adjust to changing circumstances. Flexibility and a readiness to take on various responsibilities are beneficial traits.
Resilience: Assignments in both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps can be demanding and may involve overcoming challenges or setbacks. Resilience and the capacity to keep going despite obstacles are key to maintaining motivation and effectiveness.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to pinpoint challenges within communities and collaborate to devise and execute solutions is vital for creating a significant impact.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Clear communication across language and cultural barriers is essential for building trust and understanding within communities.
Self-Motivation: While there is support available, you often need to be self-driven and proactive in your work, taking the initiative to identify needs and devise solutions.
Commitment to Service: Showcasing a genuine passion for service and a dedication to positively impacting others' lives is fundamental to both organizations.
Teamwork: Working together with fellow volunteers or team members is common in both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. The ability to work effectively as a team member, supporting and respecting others, is crucial for achieving shared goals.
By demonstrating these qualities, you can boost your chances of landing a position with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps and make a meaningful contribution to their missions of service and community development.
Erin Wallace
Management Consultant at PwC
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi Melissa
I interned with a nonprofit and found that what they were looking for was more than just passion and an ability to be the arms and legs of the organization, but rather forward-thinkers that will help the nonprofit grow, expand its service offerings, and impact more individuals. Most every organization jumps at the opportunity to acquire more leaders.
The highest performing employees at the nonprofit I worked at were the ones that thought outside of the box, and were always pushing to make more of an impact. My advice to you would be to not hesitate to present your own ideas (even in initial interview stages), and keep thinking of what more the organization can do. Celebrate victories of all sizes, but never settle for believing that you've done all that you can do.
It is my opinion that if you present your own ideas and your desire to go above and beyond the role of volunteer, the Peace Corps/AmeriCorps would be thrilled to have you. Let your caring nature and desire to help others drive you. I wish you the very best of luck in your courageous endeavours!
Best,
Erin
nonprofits volunteerism corporate-social-responsibility leadership
I interned with a nonprofit and found that what they were looking for was more than just passion and an ability to be the arms and legs of the organization, but rather forward-thinkers that will help the nonprofit grow, expand its service offerings, and impact more individuals. Most every organization jumps at the opportunity to acquire more leaders.
The highest performing employees at the nonprofit I worked at were the ones that thought outside of the box, and were always pushing to make more of an impact. My advice to you would be to not hesitate to present your own ideas (even in initial interview stages), and keep thinking of what more the organization can do. Celebrate victories of all sizes, but never settle for believing that you've done all that you can do.
It is my opinion that if you present your own ideas and your desire to go above and beyond the role of volunteer, the Peace Corps/AmeriCorps would be thrilled to have you. Let your caring nature and desire to help others drive you. I wish you the very best of luck in your courageous endeavours!
Best,
Erin
nonprofits volunteerism corporate-social-responsibility leadership
Christie Emberley
Individual Philanthropy Officer at Planned Parenthood Northern California
2
Answers
Updated
Christie’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and am always excited to give advice to people looking into Peace Corps service. A good first step is to take a look at roles on Peace Corps website (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/) and see what interests you. From there find a way to get some experience in that area. For example, I was an English teacher and my volunteer experience tutoring was very helpful on my application.
Another suggestion is to connect with the recruiter in your area. If you're a college student there may be one on campus. (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/) They can provide a lot of support for filling out the application, answering questions, even connecting you with returned volunteers in your area. They are such a great resource!
Hope this helps you get the ball rolling!
Best,
Christie
I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and am always excited to give advice to people looking into Peace Corps service. A good first step is to take a look at roles on Peace Corps website (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/) and see what interests you. From there find a way to get some experience in that area. For example, I was an English teacher and my volunteer experience tutoring was very helpful on my application.
Another suggestion is to connect with the recruiter in your area. If you're a college student there may be one on campus. (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/) They can provide a lot of support for filling out the application, answering questions, even connecting you with returned volunteers in your area. They are such a great resource!
Hope this helps you get the ball rolling!
Best,
Christie
Emily Wheatley
Supervisor
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hello! I spent 14-months on AmeriCorps assignment working at a California chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The skills, experience and requirements that a host-nonprofit is looking for will vary widely depending on the role so take your time finding a posting that you're the optimal fit for, in a location that you'd like to live, supporting activities that you have skills, passion, and hopefully a bit of experience in. When you've identified this, be curious in the interview to ask specific questions to learn everything that you can about what the organization needs - then share your unique ideas or skills that you could offer to support their priority initiatives. Best of luck!